SEATTLE — Amidst the disappointment of the U.S. men's national team's World Cup elimination, manager Mauricio Pochettino declined to definitively address his future with the team.
Following the 4-1 defeat to Belgium on Monday night, Pochettino stated that discussions about his tenure would commence in the coming weeks if the federation wished to engage. "In the next weeks, we can start to talk if the federation wants to talk," Pochettino said. "Right now, it’s about resting a little bit, to think, to have conversations with the federation to see what the decision is. I’m so happy. We’ve built a very good relationship, now is not a moment to talk about [my future]."
Reports indicate that U.S. Soccer had presented Pochettino with a contract offer extending through the 2030 World Cup prior to the current tournament. Pochettino has previously expressed an interest in returning to manage in the English Premier League.
During his 18-month tenure, which saw the U.S. automatically qualify for the World Cup as a host nation, Pochettino appeared to embrace American culture and coaching the national team. However, a full four-year cycle, including qualifying matches, represents a different commitment than his recent experience.
The allure of coaching a host nation was a significant factor for Pochettino. The potential inclusion of the 2028 Copa America, likely to be held in the U.S., and the prospect of coaching the current generation of players into the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, could be factors in his decision.
Currently, most European club managerial positions are filled for the season. AC Milan, a club that had reportedly shown interest in Pochettino, has appointed Ruben Amorim to its coaching role.
Pochettino, who has resided in Barcelona and London during his previous coaching roles, would also need to consider a potential move to the United States. The U.S. Soccer team could potentially operate from a new facility in Fayetteville, Georgia, under its next manager.